New York Mets release pitcher Freddy Garcia

Keith Srakocic/Associated PressThe Mets released pitcher Freddy Garcia after he posted an 8.18 ERA for the team's Triple-A club.

NEW YORK -- If the Mets need a starting pitcher to replace Oliver Perez in the rotation next week, it won't be Freddy Garcia. The Mets released Garcia on Tuesday after he gave up 10 runs in 11 innings (8.18 ERA) for Triple-A Buffalo.

The Mets signed Garcia to a minor-league deal last offseason to add him to the mix for the fifth starter role, but he pitched poorly in spring training and fell out of contention early.